The Mighty Hands Of God

One of the pleasures of wandering Chiang Mai is visiting all the holy Buddhist Wats. There are dozens of complexes, each unique in terms of architecture, complexity. One feature is seen repeatedly, wax monks. That's right, life size sculptures of important monks can be found in many of the wats.

The look, costume and pose seem to follow classic guidelines. Close cropped hair, likeness in the age you died, orange robe, sitting. On to the holy hands.

In front and clasped is classic.

It's cool to go fist over fist or just relaxed on the leg.

A cradle position to hold ever changing holy items is a nice bonus.

Clasp and fist, Mach II.
An open hand to god is pretty, especially with a thick patina.

Wat Jet Lin In Chiang Mai

Every Wat is different. Is that a proverb? In Chiang Mai, it certainly could be applicable. Wat Jet Lin has plenty of unique features worth checking out.

It has a decent amount of space out back, big enough for a colorful bamboo bridge over a lily pad pond.

Fairly standard main temple interior, red carpet, gold sitting Buddha. Fairly unique figure outside. Just your typical five eyed panda monster thing.

On to the nice collection of wax monks. The beauty is in the fine details and expressions.

Back inside the main temple, the placed is ringed with 2D portraits.

Wat Phra Singh In Chiang Mai

Anchoring the western part of old town Chiang Mai in Thailand is mighty Wat Phra Singh. It's a whole complex of golden beauties, started way back in 1325.

The main temple, Wihan Luang.

Things get golden out back at the big chedi, stupa. Bling! Back inside of Wihan Luang, it's time for a quick prayer.

Monk hall of fame. Wat Phra Singh must have a rich history of head monks as many of them have been lovingly preserved in wax. Role call.

They know what they're doing in wax, right down to liver spots and original eyeglasses. Too bad you can't be remembered when you were say 42 instead of 82. Donation box section, one for any taste.

Back at the chedi, a gold elephant emerges.

Basking in The Presence Of A Big Buddha In Hat Yai

The tallest Buddha statue in South Thailand is in Hat Yai. One gaze at the big boy and a confirmation is easy to make. He brings 20 meters in height, plenty of length to crane the neck.

Lording over the city.

In case you didn't get the message that bigger is better, they break out just the feet for you.  Hang 10,000. Inside the base of Buddha, some icons.

The most impressive display is a sort of Hall of Fame of past monks, forever remembered in incredibly detailed wax.

Back outside, the hilltop location is a favorite spot for pictures. We can get behind that.